Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has revealed that he is excited to finally make an appearance at a major tournament for England in this summer's World Cup.
Cahill missed the World Cup in 2010 and Euro 2012 through injury, making the tournament in Brazil extra special after his previous disappointments.
The 28-year-old has said that the frustration of missing out has made him grateful for the chance, but also spoke of the progress he has made that has helped him play a big part in the squad.
"It does [feel special], because it's my first tournament," Cahill told reporters. "I have waited a long time for it to come and I was really excited previously.
"For the 2010 World Cup I was an outside shot of making the squad and I had my blood clot. Then I was one game away for Euro 2012 and I broke my jaw - it was like, 'Is this not for me?'. So to be involved in this is massive for me.
"It's been good of late. Not that long ago I wasn't really in the frame or I was grafting to get in the squad and just be a part of it, but now I feel like I'm a big part of it, which is pleasing. It shows how far I have come and I am obviously really happy."
Cahill is likely to start for England when they kick off their Group D campaign against Italy on June 14.
Sam Hughes
